Ryan J. Crowley: Both parties are to blame for Comey’s ouster

Monday

May 15, 2017 at 2:01 AM

President Trump’s decision to terminate FBI Director James Comey concludes more than a year of politicization of the FBI by both Democrats and Republicans.

The rhetorical and partisan accusations made by President Trump, Hillary Clinton and many other high-profile federal officials during the election cycle have cast a dark cloud over the agency, and there is no end in sight. Our elected leaders often speak about the need for transparency in government, and in the midst of perhaps what was the most contentious election season in modern history, Director Comey opted for transparency. He publicly announced the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s emails, publicly cleared her name and publicly announced new evidence, before concluding there wasn’t enough to proceed.

Then, and now, Republicans and Democrats have changed their positions, some defending, some discrediting Comey. I commend Director Comey for the leadership and transparency displayed in the FBI’s quest to uncover the truth about both Hillary’s emails and the Trump campaign’s relationship with Russia.

Republicans and Democrats should accept responsibility for the termination of Director Comey and commit themselves to finding the most suitable replacement. There is no doubt that there are many credible agents within the bureau to continue its work, though I fear that the search for a new director will be the next political football.